The European Union has declared that all new cars will be required to have speed limiters starting from July 7, Sunday. This regulation will not affect the UK but will apply to Northern Ireland. The introduction of Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA) technology is central to this mandate, aimed at helping drivers adhere to speed limits and reduce accidents.
How Does ISA Technology Work?
The ISA system functions through a combination of a speed sign-recognition video camera and GPS-linked data, which collectively inform drivers of the prevailing speed limits. Although the system allows drivers the usual control over acceleration and braking, it actively warns users who exceed speed limits through various signals such as haptic feedback, audio alerts, and visual warnings until the vehicle slows to the appropriate speed.
This technology is not entirely new, as several car manufacturers like Citroen, Ford, Honda, Jaguar, Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo already incorporate some form of ISA. The Renault Group has even taken additional steps by imposing a speed cap on all new Renault and Citroen cars, limiting them to a maximum speed of 112 mph.
However, the new regulations stipulate that these systems cannot be permanently disabled; they must reactivate with each engine start.
What Do Drivers Think About ISA?
The enforcement of ISA systems has been met with mixed reactions from drivers. Some find the warning signals distracting or annoying.
In response, manufacturers have developed four types of alerts to suit different preferences: resistance from the accelerator pedal, automatic reduction of propulsion power (with the option to override by pressing the pedal again), visual and audio signals, and a combination of visual alerts with a vibrating pedal if the initial cue is ignored.
Besides speed limiters, the mandate also includes compulsory installation of other safety features like automated lane-keeping and autonomous emergency braking in new vehicles. These features are not just about enforcing legal speed limits; they are also seen as tools for promoting economical driving by reducing fuel consumption.
The broader implications of these mandates—whether they will be embraced by drivers as a positive step towards safer and more economic driving—remain to be seen.
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